He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place
—the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honour him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You offer your protection to those who dwell in you. When we have communion with you through worship, the word and prayer, we are connected to you as branches are connected to a vine. Those who put their trust in you will find shelter and refuge. Father, you are able to keep us safe from earthly perils, disease and attacks and to send angels to protect us from whatever might prevent us from accomplishing your will. And more important than any physical danger is the assault of supernatural evil we face daily. In this you provide victory to those whom you know and have chosen to be your people. The truth of the gospel is our protection and we need to put on the full armour of God to be safe from the onslaught of the devil.
Father, you offer us your presence and your protection when we have a loving, trusting relationship with you. May we open ourselves up to you every day, confessing our sins, our hopes, our fears and increasing our intimacy with you so that we may live fruitful lives full of joy and gratitude for your love and mercy, to the glory of your holy name.
AMEN